ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
India will chart its own Course of Energy Transition in a Responsible Manner, says Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has said that Global energy system is transforming at an unprecedented pace. Participating in the ENRich 2019 - KPMG India’s Annual Energy Conclave here today, the Petroleum Minister said India, too, is in the midst of a major transformative shift in its energy sector. “In India we are finding ways to achieve the twin objectives of more energy and less carbon through a healthy mix of all commercially-viable energy sources. India will chart its own course of energy transition in a responsible manner.”, the Minister said.
Speaking at the event about sustainable growth, Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan said the centrality of energy growth in a sustainable manner is a high priority of the government. There is unprecedented advancement, on both the demand and supply sides of the equation, as the world and India seek out more benign methods to advance global growth and welfare. He further said the trajectory to end energy poverty in India, as compared to the rest of the world, would be based on special national circumstances. This is more so when the average Indian lives only on a third of the per capita consumption of energy that the United Nations believes is necessary for human well-being.
Talking about India’s growing energy needs, the Petroleum Minister said India has a huge appetite for energy, and will be a driver of global energy demand in coming decades.
Speaking about Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a $5 Trillion Indian economy, Sh. Pradhan emphasised on both ease of doing business as well as on ease of living. He said that country’s economic growth will be driven by heavy investment in infrastructure, digital economy and job creation in small and medium firms.
Talking about reform measures, the Minister said, Government has undertaken several structural reforms in the last 5 years to create business-friendly environment. These reforms include insolvency and bankruptcy code, tax reforms and intellectual property reforms. Hydrocarbon sector has also been overhauled through series of business-friendly policy measures. Reiterating his Government’s commitment towards building a gas based economy, Minister Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan further added that Government is making all efforts to move towards a gas-based economy. An estimated investment of 60 billion dollars is lined up in developing gas infrastructure, which includes pipelines, city gas distribution and LNG terminals.
Shri Pradhan also talked about National Biofuel policy which focusses on waste-to-wealth creation and targets to generate various types of bio-fuels from agriculture residue and municipal waste. During the event, Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan released the thought leadership paper.
Ministry of Defence
NEW PROCESS FOR PROCUREMENT OF DEFENCE EQUIPMENT
The revision of procedure for Defence Capital Acquisitions as given in DPP-2016 was undertaken incorporating comments/suggestions of a wide spectrum of stakeholders and accordingly, Ministry of Defence promulgated the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020  with effect from 01st October, 2020.
To bring transparency & speed in defence acquisitions, following steps have been taken:
- For cutting down time frames:
- Single stage grant of AoN,
- Delegation of approvals/financial powers,
- Simplification of trials process, and
- Integrated and joint approach in D&D cases.
- To promote probity, public accountability and transparency in
defence capital procurements:
- Pre Contract Integrity Pact  for all cases above Rs 20 crore,
- Time bound disposal of complaints,
- Ascertaining vigilance status of L1 vendor before seeking approval of the Competent Financial Authority ,
- Notification of guidelines for Penalties in Business Dealings with suspect Entities,
- Capacity Assessment guidelines for Shipbuilding Entities.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Prakash Javadekar in Rajya Sabha on March 14, 2022.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to host a Sikh delegation at his residence in New Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will host a Sikh delegation at his residence in New Delhi. Shri Modi will also address the gathering at around 05:30 PM today.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"This evening, I will be hosting a Sikh delegation at my residence. The group includes people from different walks of life. I will also be addressing the gathering at around 5:30 PM. Do watch…"
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting visits Odisha
Shri Chandra reviews functioning of various departments under the Ministry
Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is on a three days visit to Odisha. Shri Chandra today visited Doordarshan, National Academy of Broadcasting & Multimedia, Press Information Bureau and Central Bureau of Communication in Bhubaneswar and held review meetings with the officers.
Later on the day, the Secretary visited All India Radio, Cuttack and reviewed its functioning. He also planted saplings in the campus of DD, NABM and AIR.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Newly Renovated Building of ESIC Regional Office, Puducherry Inaugurated Today
DCBOs to be Opened in every District of the Country
Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State  for Labour & Employment, inaugurated newly renovated building of ESIC Regional Office, Puducherry in the presence of Shri M. Kandawamy, Minister for Labour & Employment, Govt. of Puducherry today.
The Minister in his address informed the gathering that new building of ESIC Regional Office, Puducherry has been renovated and upgraded with project cost of Rs. 6.41 crore. Renovated building of Regional Office consists of Branch Office, four doctor dispensary with 6 beds ward, laboratory, Pharmacy, registration counter, etc. The Regional Office, Branch Office and Dispensary would be exclusively run for the benefit of insured persons and their family members covered under ESI Scheme. He also informed that the ESI Scheme was implemented for the first time in the Union Territory of Puducherry on 02.10.1966. Today, the ESI Scheme is serving more than one lakh insured persons and 3.97 lakhs beneficiaries through a network of Regional Office, one ESI Hospital, 12 ESI Dispensaries, 06 Branch Offices, 2 Pay offices and 2 Inspection Offices spread throughout the districts of Puducherry and Karaikal. He further informed the gathering about the various initiatives and welfare measures taken by his Ministry.
He also informed that ESIC has taken decision to open Dispensary-cum-Branch Office  in every district of the country in phased manner. These DCBOs is being set up in every district of the country to make presence of primary care services, irrespective of whether a district has been partially or fully implemented or there is already a State run Dispensary in that area. The dispensary cum branch office will provide primary medical care, referrals for secondary medical care, scrutiny of bills of secondary care referrals etc. Besides, ESIC has also launched a mobile app ‘ESIC Chinta Se Mukti’ which is available on Umang Platform of Govt. of India. One can easily visit this App for knowing various services available under ESI Scheme, contribution & claim status etc.
On the occasion of “Swachhta Hi Seva Pakhwara”, Shri Gangwar and other Dignitaries planted sapling to reiterate the importance of clean environment. He also took round of new building of ESIC Regional Office, Dispensary and Branch Office. A demonstration on good hand hygiene practice was also done by the doctors of ESI Hospital, Puducherry.
Shri R. Radhakrishnan, Member of Parliament , Shri Raj Kumar, Director General, ESIC and other dignitaries also graced the occasion.
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate Notification No.88/2021 - Customs 
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby makes the following amendments in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Notification No.82/2021-CUSTOMS , dated 21st October, 2021 with effect from 30th October, 2021.
In the SCHEDULE-I of the said Notification, for serial No.15 and the entries relating thereto, the following shall be substituted, namely: -
SCHEDULE-I
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Foreign Currency
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15.
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South African Rand
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Special Service and Features
ICAI organizes "Samvardhan" MSME Conclave on 24th & 25th June 2023
The MSME sector is considered as the backbone of Indian economy which approximately employs 113 million people and contributes nearly 30% of India's GDP and contributes 50 % of exports.
The sector has suffered several shocks in recent times due to demonetisation, GST implementation, covid-19 pandemic and most recently Geo-political tensions etc.
MSME sector face several challenges such as financial liquidity for repayments, meeting fixed expenses like wages, salaries, statutory dues etc. Raw material prices also went up many folds which led to an increase in the cost of production.
In spite of all odds, MSME, Start-Up & Banking Eco System are conducive to the growth of MSME sector. Both Central and state governments have several schemes and incentives to set up new MSME units as well as for the expansion and modernisation of existing units. There are also several supports & Incentives for start-ups.
To address the various subsidies, Incentives, Funding options & Compliances and to bridge between the Policy Makers & Entrepreneurs “2 days Mega MSME Conclave” is being organised by SIRC of ICAI.
The conclave intends to empower “MSMEs into Economy Boosters” and make them "Atmanirbhar". The Event aims to create platform for MSMEs, Investors, Financial Institutions, Banks, Policy Makers, Technology providers and other Industry leaders to share their knowledge, Experience, Expertise and Technology for sustainable growth of MSMEs in the Region.
Who can participate in the Event:
- Chartered Accountants
- MSME Enterprises
- Start-ups
- Bankers
- Professionals
- Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Retail and Wholesale traders
- Educational institutions
- Professionals
- Academicians
- Students and Faculty of Management, Engineering and commerce colleges.
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The two days program consists of 9 sessions on various topics related to MSMEs and Start-ups which will be deliberated by experts in respective fields including industrial leaders, Central and State MSME Department Officials, SIDBI, NSIC, FICCI, Start-Up Experts and Officials of various Banks.
We request public at large to participate in this Mega Event by registering for the program.
Link for Online Delegate Registration:
https://www.sirc-icai.org/common_events.php
Entrepreneurs are also requested to apply for the Award through nomination form which is available in the website of SIRC of ICAI which is "sirc-icai.org"
The last date for the Award Nomination Application is 18th June 2023. For any clarification please contact Mr. Rahman, Assistant Secretary of SIRC of ICAI .
Members present at press conference:
CA. Panna Raj S, Chairman, SIRC of ICAI
CA. A.B. Geetha, Vice-Chairperson, SIRC of ICAI
CA. A V Arun, Secretary, SIRC of ICAI
CA. Mandava Sunil Kumar, Treasurer
CA. S S Nayak, Co-opted Member, MSME & Start-Up Committee of SIRC of ICAI
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
19 State/UTs conducting more than 140 tests/day/million, as advised by WHO
India currently has 8.07% Positivity Rate
30 State/UTs have lower Positivity Rate than India average
The “Test, Track, Treat” strategy encapsulates the holistic framework for management of COVID-19. Led by the Centre, it has been implemented through various measures by the State/UT governments. While States/UTs have substantially expanded their testing network, they have also undertaken measures to facilitate widespread testing by people at large. As a result the national average of tests/day/million has substantially jumped to 180, as on date.
WHO in its Guidance Note on “Public Health Criteria to Adjust Public Health and Social Measures in the Context of COVID-19” has advised comprehensive surveillance for suspected COVID19 cases. WHO has advised that a country needs 140 tests/day/ million population.
There are currently 19 State/UTs which are conducting more than 140 tests per day per million. The State of Goa is testing highest at 1333 tests per day per million.
The Centre and ICMR have continually advised the State/UT governments to improve the number of tests conducted. Through the coordinated efforts, India’s testing per million  has increased to 10421. This has helped in early detection and timely and effective clinical management of COVID-19 cases.
In tandem with increased testing, the Confirmation Rate or Positivity Rate for India is continuously reducing and currently stands at 8.07%. There are 30 State/UTs in India which have lower Positivity Rate than the India average. This indicates that Centre-led initiative of increased testing is working in yielding positive results.
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA.
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, Gross Expenditure on Research and Development , in absolute terms increased 3 times during the last 10 years
Government has allowed corporate sector to make R&D investments under the provision of Corporate Social Responsibility: Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Gross Expenditure on Research and Development , in absolute terms, has been consistently increasing over the years and has increased 3 times during the last 10 years.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, Dr Jitendra Singh said the government has been making consistent efforts to increase the GERD. Some of the key efforts made by Government include the successive increase in plan allocations for Scientific Departments, incentivizing investment by private sector to increase their share in GERD, improving the ease of doing business in the Science, Technology and Innovation  activities; introducing flexible tools for public procurement; creating avenues for collaborative STI funding through portfolio-based funding mechanisms such as Public-Private-Partnerships and other innovative hybrid funding mechanisms.
The Minister also informed that the Government has allowed corporate sector to make R&D investments under the provision of Corporate Social Responsibility . Corporates can invest in technology business incubators or contribute in research efforts carried out by institutions and national research laboratories as a part of their CSR.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that as part of the new draft Science, Technology and Innovation  policy, several provisions have been included with the focus to increase GERD. Some of the key provisions include; greater participation of central, state, local governments and public sector enterprises; fiscal incentives to attract private sector; fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to attract Foreign Direct Investment; Micro-financing through crowdfunding and philanthropic sources; linking public procurement with domestic industries; Public Private Partnerships  and industry led mission oriented joint initiatives; etc.
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SNC/RR
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Sustained Decline in number of Daily Fatalities; daily deaths below 300 since the last 16 days
Total number infected with New Strain of Coronavirus from UK stands at 90; no addition in the last 24 hours
The focused efforts of Centre and State/UT governments on effective clinical management of the hospitalized cases have ensured sustained decline in India’s Fatality Rate which is 1.44% today. With effective containment strategy, aggressive testing and standardized clinical management protocols based on holistic Standard of Care Protocol across government and private hospitals, the number of new deaths have dipped.
Less than 300 new deaths are being recorded in the country since the last 16 days.
As part of the COVID management and response policy, there has been a sharp focus of the Central Government on not only containing the COVID, but to reduce deaths and to save lives by providing quality clinical care to the critical and severe patients of COVID. Collaborative efforts of the Union and State/UT governments have resulted in strengthening of the health facilities across the country.
India has one of the lowest Deaths per Million population . Countries like Russia, Germany, Brazil, France, USA, UK and Italy have much higher deaths per million population.
India’s present active caseload of 2,23,335 consists of just 2.14% of India’s Total Positive Cases. A recovery of 19,299 cases in the last 24 hours has ensured a decline of 855 cases from the Total Active Caseload.
The figure shows the change in the Active Cases in the last 24 hours. Maharashtra recorded maximum positive change with an addition of 1,123 cases whereas Rajasthan shows maximum negative change with a drop of 672 cases.
Active Cases per million population in India are amongst the lowest in the world. The number for India is 162 whereas countries like Brazil, Russia, Germany, Italy, UK and USA have much higher active caseload per million population.
The total recovered cases are at 10,075,950 today. The Recovery Rate has improved to 96.42%.
79.12% of the new recovered cases is contributed by ten States/UTs.
Kerala saw 5,424 persons recovering from COVID. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh reported 2,401 and 1,167 new recoveries, respectively.
18,645 cases were registered in the last 24 hours.
Ten States/UTs have contributed 82.25% of the new cases.
Kerala reported 5,528 cases in the last 24 hours. Maharashtra recorded 3,581 new cases while Chhattisgarh reported 1,014 daily cases yesterday.
73.63% of the 201 case fatalities that have been reported in the past 24 hours are from Seven States/UTs.
Maharashtra reported maximum deaths with 57 deaths. Kerala also saw a figure fatality count of 22 followed by 20 in West Bengal.
A total of 90 samples have been found to be positive with the new U.K variant genome.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
The target set for providing tap water in rural households in West Bengal under Jal Jeevan Mission is 2024
The Mission is being implemented since August 2019 and is in partnership with State Governments
Kolkata, March 24, 2022
The Government of India, in partnership with States, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission  to make provision of tap water supply to every rural household of the country since August 2019. The Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel informed that the mission is also being implemented in West Bengal and the target is to be completed by 2024. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Shri Patel said, the key features of the Jal Jeevan Mission  are to make provision of potable water to every rural household through tap water connection at a service level of 55 litre per capita per day , of prescribed quality , on regular and long-term basis. The estimated outlay of the mission is Rs. 3.60 lakh Crore, out of which Central share is Rs. 2.08 lakh Crore.
He further stated that, at the time of announcement of Jal Jeevan Mission, out of 18.93 Crore rural households, 3.23 Crore  households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, more than 6 Crore  rural households have been provided with tap water connections in last two and half years. Thus, as of date, out of 19.32 Crore rural households in the country, 9.24 Crore  households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes. As on date, out of 1.77 Crore rural households in the State of West Bengal, 37.15 lakh  households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes.
The year-wise timelines finalized by States/ UTs for making provision of tap water supply to every rural household is as under:
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2020
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2021
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2022
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2023
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2024
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Goa
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Telangana
Puducherry
A & N Islands
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
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Bihar
Gujarat
Himachal Pradesh
Haryana
Uttarakhand
Ladakh
Manipur
Meghalaya
Punjab
Sikkim
Jammu & Kashmir
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Arunachal Pradesh
Chhattisgarh
Karnataka
Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
Mizoram
Nagaland
Tamil Nadu
Tripura
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Assam
Andhra Pradesh
Jharkhand
Maharashtra
Odisha
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh
West Bengal
In Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Puducherry, A & N Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu; provision for tap water supply to all rural households has already been made.
Prime Minister's Office
PM celebrates Gold Medal by Annu Rani in Women's Javelin event at Asian Games 2022
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Annu Rani on winning the Gold medal in Women's Javelin event at Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“Another Gold in Athletics!
Extremely proud of Annu Rani for her outstanding performance in the Women's Javelin event at the Asian Games.
This Gold Medal has made India proud. May she keep aiming high and inspiring us all!”
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Pritam Siwach Academy finish as toppers in Phase 1 of Khelo India Women’s Hockey League 
Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy, Sonepat have topped the Phase 1 of Khelo India Women’s Hockey League , which concluded at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium on Tuesday. The academy girls, coached by Kuldeep Siwach, won all of their 7 pool games with an incredible goal difference of +134; the team conceded just three times en-route to earning 21 points.
HAR Hockey Academy, Haryana took the second position, while Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy stood third. They both finished on 19 points but HAR Academy recorded a better goal difference.
A total of 56 matches were played across seven days in the Phase 1, with a total of 16 teams participating. The one-of-a-kind Hockey league for the Sub Junior women, has been scheduled to take place over three phases. The Sports Authority of India allocated total money of Rs 53.72 Lakh for 3 phases of the competition, which includes Prize money of Rs 15.5 Lakh.
The winning team following the 3 Phases will be awarded with a cash prize of Rs 5 Lakh.
Speaking about the efforts put in by the Pritam Siwach Academy girls, Kuldeep Siwach mentioned, “My team did very well and they got a lot of motivation following every win. This was one of the best competitions to find out the flaws and work on them. These victories will inspire the girls to get the confidence to play for the country in the long run and keep working hard. I thank SAI and Hockey India for giving us the platform.”
Former Arjuna and Dronacharya Awardee Pritam Siwach, who has remained the inspiration behind the hockey academy, added that the U-16 competition will give the girls all the preparedness to be a part of the Khelo India Scheme. “It was incredible to witness such a competitive environment featuring the U-16 girls. I thank SAI and Hockey India to put forward such a competitive environment for U16 girls.
“We had a tournament for U21 as well and I thank the Government for making possible this great opportunity for the girls to showcase their talent. We have very less competitions in this level and the girls can only benefit from competitions such as these to come in the Khelo India Scheme and play for the country in future,” Pritam Siwach said.
The Khelo India Women's Hockey League  Phase 2 is now scheduled in October at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.